ESTACADA -- Voters in the Estacada Rural Fire District will decide May 15 on a proposed $5.6 million bond measure that would finance construction of a new fire station.

By a unanimous vote, the fire district's board agreed to place the measure on the ballot after studying the district's needs -- and projected needs.

Chief Alan Hull told board members that the current station was built in 1964, when the district responded to an average of 100 calls a year. Now, firefighters handle 1,300 to 1,500 calls a year.

Hull said staffing since the current station was built has gone from two career firefighters to 11, while volunteer numbers swelled to 47. The result is very cramped quarters.

"It's not easy to ask taxpayers to pay more," Hull said. "But our building is simply inadequate, and we did a phone poll that said a majority would vote for a bond measure. Besides, we may be able to get in on some construction bargains now."

The fire district has been working with the city to clear the way for construction of a station off Southeast Short Road, between Fourth and Fifth avenues, including a stretch of Currin Street that would be vacated. The fire district's board, the City Council and the city's urban renewal board have held several public meetings to plan station design and construction, including ways to minimize financial impacts for the city and the district.

If approved, the district would sell general obligation bonds that would be repaid over 20 years, using money raised through an increase in property taxes. The increase would be 39 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property valuation.

That means the owner of a $150,000 home would pay an additional $58.50 a year for 20 years.

The owner of a $200,000 home would pay $78 a year.

The owner of a $250,000 home would pay $97.50.

The new 26,150-square-foot building would offer firefighters more room to operate. The main floor would house the equipment bays, equipment storage, administrative offices and a large community meeting room. The second floor would include the firefighters' sleeping quarters, kitchen, living room and exercise area. A mezzanine would be used for additional storage.

Hull said the improved facilities likely would stem the tide of declining volunteers, whose numbers have gone down over the past few years. He said a new fire station, reflecting the community's investment in the fire service, could have big positive impact on volunteer recruitment.

"We have been told by fire chiefs all over the country that a new station is a vital piece of the recruitment puzzle," Hull said.